Perhaps one area that could potentially strengthen the
U.S.-Israeli relationship is around energy security. As both leaders have made
pronouncements about the challenges and concerns with their nations’ dependence
on fossil fuels, energy security may prove to be fertile ground to engage in greater
cooperation and improve good will on both sides.

The United States and Israel seem poised for further cooperation
on energy security. Moreover, both countries have highly advanced economies
particularly in the technological sphere. The potential benefits that can be
accrued from a bilateral relationship in high-tech industries have been amply
demonstrated from
U.S.-Israeli cooperation in the defense sector. Increasing cooperation around
energy security could vastly improve the development of reliable clean energy
technologies while also strengthening U.S.-Israeli relations. The Obama administration should seek to engage
Israel on this front.

Photo:
President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister meet in the Oval Office on May 20,
2011. Courtesy of Pete Souza and the White House.